With participation from more than 70 museums, historical sites, gardens, aquariums and cultural venues, February marks San Diego Museum Month, one of the region’s largest cultural campaigns, offering half-price admission for up to four people throughout the month.
The initiative, led by cultural organizations and local authorities, aims to expand access to the county’s museum offerings and encourage cultural exploration beyond residents’ usual neighborhoods.
According to organizers, the official San Diego Museum Month pass can be obtained free of charge in printed format at more than 80 public libraries throughout San Diego County, as well as five libraries in Imperial County and selected educational libraries. A digital pass is also available for mobile devices throughout February at sandiegomuseummonth.com, allowing visitors to receive up to 50% off general admission at participating museums.
Across the County
Balboa Park, considered the cultural heart of San Diego, features 17 participating museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center, the Museum of Us, the Mingei International Museum and the Comic-Con Museum, among others. Detailed information and specific restrictions are available at sandiegomuseummonth.com/balboa-park.
In Downtown San Diego, notable venues include the USS Midway Museum, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and the New Children’s Museum, offering cultural and educational experiences along the waterfront and throughout the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Arts District at Liberty Station in Point Loma brings together museums and galleries such as the New Americans Museum, the Visions Museum of Textile Art and the MCRD Command Museum, located within the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, where access is regulated.
In North County, offerings range from the California Surf Museum in Oceanside and the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas and large-scale attractions such as Legoland California and Sea Life Aquarium, all offering special discounts during the month.
East County participates with venues including the Heritage of the Americas Museum, the Barona Cultural Center and Museum, the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum and the Water Conservation Garden, which focus on regional history, Indigenous heritage and environmental education.
In La Jolla, visitors can explore the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), the La Jolla Historical Society and commemorative exhibitions such as RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust. The aquarium requires advance reservations at aquarium.ucsd.edu.
The South Bay region joins the celebration with the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, the Living Coast Discovery Center and the Tijuana Estuary, while Coronado participates through the Coronado Historical Association. The program also includes venues in other neighborhoods, such as Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Junípero Serra Museum and the Whaley House Museum, as well as Museums Without Walls, which bring art and history into open public spaces.
Cross-Border Cultural Exchange
Cultural institutions in Tijuana are also participating in Museum Month 2026, offering discounts primarily for students and educators at venues including CECUT, the Museo de las Californias and El Trompo Interactive Museum, strengthening binational cultural exchange.